Architectural panel hanger

ABSTRACT

The device to hang an architectural panel on a wall preferably comprises a support structure having first and second surfaces and a circumferential surface therebetween, a hole between the first and second surfaces, and a screw having a head, shaft and plurality of threads about the shaft. The screw is located in the hole and connected to the support structure such that the head is at or below the first surface of the support structure and the shaft is perpendicular thereto. The device can be driven into a wall and will support an architectural panel locatable thereon. Specifically, a panel clip, attached to the back of the architectural panel, can be placed on the support structure and the device will support the panel placed thereon. The circumferential surface of the support structure preferably includes a bevel to facilitate the placement of the panel clip onto the support structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention is directed to the installation of panels, such asarchitectural panels. More particularly, the present invention isdirected to a device that facilitates the hanging of panels on a wall orother suitable surface and a method of using same.

2. Background Information

Architectural panels are well known in the building trade and areavailable in a wide variety of materials, such as solid wood, woodveneer, metal, plastic, polycarbonate, resin, Formica, acoustic andcomposites.

Architectural panels are typically used to cover existing wall surfacesto create a specific design element or effect. For example, wood or woodveneer panels are often used to transform a room into an oak paneledlibrary or formal conference room.

It is well known to hang panels using panel clips, also commonlyreferred to as panel “Z” clips and/or “Z” clips, which have a first anda second surface vertically offset from each other.

Specifically, a first panel clip is attached to the surface of a wall,typically at the location of a wall stud, such that its first offsetsurface is attached to the wall and its second offset surface is offsetfrom the wall in an upward position. A second panel clip is attached tothe back of the panel such that its first offset surface is attached tothe back of the panel and its second offset surface is offset from theback of the panel in a downward position. The panel is hung, i.e.,attached to the wall, by placing the downward-facing offset surface ofthe second panel clip into the upward-facing offset surface of the firstpanel clip.

Panel installers need to insure that all panels will be aligned in thevertical plane so that the face of each panel will be aligned with theface of every other panel.

Since the surface of a wall is not typically vertically aligned over theentire surface of the wall, a plurality of flat shims are combined tobuild out the surface of the wall to a vertical reference, typically atthe location of each wall stud where each panel clip is to be located.

The shims are installed such that the outward-facing surface of eachshimmed area is in vertical alignment with the outward-facing surface ofevery other shimmed area. The shims are typically secured in place bynails, screws and/or glue, in accordance with the installer'spreference.

Once all shimmed areas are in vertical alignment with each other overthe given horizontal span, a first set of panel clips are securelyattached to the outward-facing surface of each shimmed area such thatthe panel clips are horizontally aligned with each other. A second setof panel clips are then attached to the back of the panels, and thepanels are hung by placing the panel clips attached to the panels intothe panel clips attached to the wall.

While this method allows for vertical alignment of the panel clipsattached to the wall, the prior art method of building out the wallusing shims is very time consuming and labor intensive.

Moreover, shims have a discrete thickness. Therefore, the accuracy ofstacking shims to build out the wall to correspond with the verticalreference will inherently be constrained by the thickness of thethinnest shim used by the installer, since this dimension represents theminimum adjustment available to the installer using the prior artmethod.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device and method that alleviatethe necessity to use shims when installing architectural panels, therebysaving substantial cost, time and effort in the installation of thepanels, compared to the prior art method of installation discussedabove. Additionally, the present invention allows for greater verticalaccuracy in the installation of the panels, compared to the prior artmethod.

A first embodiment of the device of the present invention preferablycomprises a support structure having a first and a second surface and acircumferential surface therebetween, a hole located between the firstand second surfaces of the support structure, and a screw having a head,a shaft and a plurality of threads located about at least a portion ofthe shaft. The screw is located in the hole and operatively connected tothe support structure such that the head of the screw is at or below thefirst surface of the support structure and the shaft is perpendicularthereto. The device is capable of being driven into a wall and thesupport structure is capable of supporting an architectural paneloperatively locatable thereon.

A method of hanging an architectural panel onto a wall using the firstembodiment of the device of the present invention preferably comprisesthe steps of rotating the screw of the device such that at least aportion of the screw of the device is operatively connected to a wallsuch that the first surface of the support structure is in verticalalignment with a predetermined vertical reference, connecting a panelclip to an architectural panel, and placing the panel clip connected tothe architectural panel over a portion of the support structure of thedevice operatively connected to the wall.

The method of hanging an architectural panel onto a wall using the firstembodiment of the device of the present invention preferably furthercomprises the step of aligning the screw of the device to apredetermined horizontal reference prior to the step of rotating thescrew of the device.

A method of hanging at least two architectural panels onto a wall usingat least two devices of the first embodiment of the present inventionpreferably comprises the steps of rotating the screw of the first devicesuch that at least a portion of the screw of the first device isoperatively connected to a wall such that the first surface of thesupport structure of the first device corresponds to a predeterminedvertical reference, rotating the screw of the second device such that atleast a portion of the screw of the second device is operativelyconnected to the wall such that the first surface of the supportstructure of the second device corresponds to the predetermined verticalreference, connecting a first panel clip to a first architectural panel,connecting a second panel clip to a second architectural panel, placingthe first panel clip connected to the first architectural panel over aportion of the support structure of the first device operativelyconnected to the wall, and placing the second panel clip connected tothe second architectural panel over a portion of the support structureof the second device operatively connected to the wall.

The method of hanging at least two architectural panels onto a wallusing at least two devices of the first embodiment of the presentinvention preferably further comprises the steps of aligning the screwof the first device to a predetermined horizontal reference prior to thestep of rotating the screw of the first device, and aligning the screwof the second device to the predetermined horizontal reference prior tothe step of rotating the screw of the second device.

A second embodiment of the device of the present invention preferablycomprises a support structure having a first and a second surface and acircumferential surface therebetween, a shaft integral with the supportstructure, the shaft having a tip, a longitudinal axis and a pluralityof threads located about at least a portion of the shaft, wherein thelongitudinal axis of the shaft is perpendicular to the first surface ofthe support structure, and an indentation in the first surface of thesupport structure that enables the threads located about the shaft tocircumrotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. At least aportion of the threads of the shaft is capable of being driven into awall and the support structure is capable of supporting an architecturalpanel operatively locatable thereon.

A method of hanging an architectural panel onto a wall using the secondembodiment of the device of the present invention preferably comprisesthe steps of rotating the indentation of the device such that at least aportion of the threads located about the shaft is operatively connectedto a wall such that the first surface of the support structure is invertical alignment with a predetermined vertical reference, connecting apanel clip to an architectural panel, and placing the panel clipconnected to the architectural panel over a portion of the supportstructure of the device operatively connected to the wall.

The method of hanging an architectural panel onto a wall using thesecond embodiment of the device of the present invention preferablyfurther comprises the step of aligning the longitudinal axis of theshaft of the device to a predetermined horizontal reference prior to thestep of rotating the indentation of the device.

A method of hanging at least two architectural panels onto a wall usingat least two devices of the second embodiment of the present inventionpreferably comprises the steps of rotating the indentation of the firstdevice such that at least a portion of the threads located about theshaft of the first device is operatively connected to a wall such thatthe first surface of the support structure of the first devicecorresponds to a predetermined vertical reference, rotating theindentation of the second device such that at least a portion of thethreads located about the shaft of the second device is operativelyconnected to the wall such that the first surface of the supportstructure of the second device corresponds to the predetermined verticalreference, connecting a first panel clip to a first architectural panel,connecting a second panel clip to a second architectural panel, placingthe first panel clip connected to the first architectural panel over aportion of the support structure of the first device operativelyconnected to the wall, and placing the second panel clip connected tothe second architectural panel over a portion of the support structureof the second device operatively connected to the wall.

The method of hanging at least two architectural panel onto a wall usingat least two devices of the second embodiment of the present inventionpreferably further comprises the steps of aligning the longitudinal axisof the shaft of the first device to a predetermined horizontal referenceprior to the step of rotating the indentation of the first device, andaligning the horizontal axis of the shaft of the second device to thepredetermined horizontal reference prior to the step of rotating theindentation of the second device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a common prior art panel clip.

FIG. 2 illustrates the prior art method of hanging a panel.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the present invention shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the support structure shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the present invention shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a first method of hanging a panel using the device ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a second method of hanging a panel using the deviceof the present invention.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show alternative embodiments of the support structure ofthe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

FIG. 1 illustrates a common prior art panel clip. As shown in FIG. 1,panel clip 100 comprises first surface 102 and second surface 104 offsettherefrom. First surface 102 includes a plurality of ridges 106, as wellas holes 108 and 110, which holes are typically slightly offset fromeach other. Other types of panel clips that have a flat, non-ridged,first surface 102 are known in the art. Both types of panel clips areapplicable for use with the present invention, as discussed in moredetail below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

The distance between first surface 102 and second surface 104 is definedherein as engagement width 112, the overall width of the panel clip isdefined herein as overall width 116, and the difference therebetween isdefined herein as offset surface width 114.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the prior art method of hanging a panel isillustrated. As discussed above, panel installers want to make sure thatall panels will be aligned in the vertical plane so that the face ofeach panel will be aligned with the face of every other panel.

Since the vertical surface of a wall is not typically verticallyaligned, i.e., perfectly perpendicular, over the entire surface of thewall, a series of shims are used to build out the surface of the wall toa vertical reference at the location of each wall stud where each panelclip is to be located. The shims are typically flat strips of woodranging in thickness from about 1/32″ to about ½″ and are stacked one ontop of the other as may be necessary to build out the surface of thewall to the vertical reference.

For example, shims 200 and 202 are secured to sheetrock 204 at thelocation of wall stud 206 such that outward-facing surface 208 (i.e.,the vertical surface of the stacked shims where panel clip 100 a is tobe located) is in alignment with the outward-facing surface of everyother shimmed area (not shown). The stacked shims are typically securedin place by nails, screws and/or glue (not shown), in accordance withthe installer's preference.

A level, such as a laser level, is typically employed to insure uniformvertical alignment of each outward-facing surface 208. Typically, shimsare used to build out the wall from between about 1/16″ to about ¾″ ormore, depending on the severity of the wall's fluctuation from verticalover the span of the wall.

Once outward-facing surface 208 of all shimmed areas are in verticalalignment with each other, relative to a horizontal reference linerepresenting the location of the panel clips, a first set of panelclips, such as panel clip 100 a, is secured to surface 208 at eachshimmed location. A level, such as a laser level, is typically employedto insure uniform horizontal alignment of each panel clip.

Two screws, such as screw 210, are used to secure panel clip 100 a inplace such that first surface 102 (FIG. 1) having ridges 106 (FIG. 1) islocated against surface 208, and second surface 104 (FIG. 1) is upright,as shown.

While screw 210 is shown terminated within sheetrock 204, it is notuncommon for the screws which secure the panel clips to also be driventhrough the wall studs, such as stud 206.

Thereafter, a second set of panel clips, such as panel clip 100 b, issecured to the back of all panels to be hung, such as panel 212. Thesecond set of panel clips is preferably secured at a specific location,relative to the top or bottom of the panel, to insure that all panelswill hang uniformly, relative to each other.

Two screws, such as screw 214, are used to secure panel clip 100 b inplace such that first surface 102 (FIG. 1) having ridges 106 (FIG. 1) islocated against the back of panel 212, and second surface 104 (FIG. 1)is facing downward, as shown.

The panel is hung, i.e., attached to the wall, by placingdownward-facing offset surface 104 (FIG. 1) of panel clip 100 b intoupward-facing offset surface 104 (FIG. 1) of panel clip 100 a. Length ofengagement 216, also referred to as “lift off”, is defined in the art asthe area of overlap between first and second panel clips 100 a and 100b.

The length of engagement varies according to the particular panel clip.For example, part number MF-375 available from Monarch MetalFabrication, Inc., of Bohemia, N.Y., and part number OA5403 availablefrom Orange Aluminum, of Orange, Calif., have a ⅜″ length of engagement.Monarch's part number MF-625 and Orange's part number OA5337 have a ⅝″length of engagement. Other types of panel clips having other lengths ofengagement are also available, e.g., part numbers NYM111M having a 0.75″length of engagement, and NYM2108M having a 0.360″ length of engagement,both available from New York Metal, of Astoria, N.Y.

The panel clip's dimensions also vary according to the specific panelclip. For example, the overall dimensions of Monarch's part numberMF-375 are 2.000″ W×1.375″ H×0.250″ D, and the thickness of secondsurface 104 is 0.125″; and the overall dimensions of Monarch's partnumber MF-625 are 1.500″ W×1.875″ H×0.200″ D, and the thickness ofsecond surface 104 is 0.095″. Both Monarch panel clips are alsoavailable in 6′ and 12′ continuous lengths. The overall dimensions ofNew York Metal's part number NYM111M are Q″ W×1.781″ H×0.176″ D, where Qis either 1.5″, 2.5″, 8′ or 10′, and the thickness of second surface 104is 0.088″; and the overall dimensions of New York Metal's part numberNYM2108M are 8′ W×1.593″ H×0.250″ D, and the thickness of second surface104 is 0.125″. It should be noted that depth D has been defined above asoverall width 116, the thickness of second surface 104 has been definedas offset surface width 114, and the difference therebetween has beendefined as engagement width 112, all with reference to FIG. 1.

The data sheets for the above panel clips are available from MonarchMetal Fabrication, Inc., at www.monarchmetal.com, from Orange Aluminumat www.orangealuminum.com, and from New York Metal atwww.newyorkmetal.com, which data sheets are incorporated herein byreference.

The prior art method of hanging panels described above provides verticalalignment of the panel clips, and thus vertical alignment of the panelsplaced thereon.

However, building out a wall via shims is very time consuming and laborintensive because the distance from the wall to the requisite verticalreference will vary from stud location to stud location, and thereforethe configuration of individual shims needed to achieve this distancewill also vary from stud location to stud location.

The present invention, on the other hand, enables the rapid and accurateinstallation of panels without the necessity of building out a wall withshims to achieve vertical alignment. Rather, it replaces the panel clipto be secured to the wall (i.e., panel clip 100 a) with a device thatsimplifies vertical alignment while providing increased verticalaccuracy.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a top view (FIG. 3) and a cross-sectionalside view (FIG. 4) of a first embodiment of the present invention areshown. Device 300 preferably comprises support structure 302 having hole304 into which screw 306 is located.

Support structure 302, also referred to hereafter as disk 302,preferably comprises bevel 402 located along its circumferential surfaceto facilitate the placement of a panel clip, attached to the back of apanel, onto the disk, as discussed in more detail with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9.

Hole 304 preferably allows screw 306 to be located therein such that thehead of the screw is at or below top surface 302 a of disk 302. Such aconfiguration allows a panel clip (such as panel clip 100 b, FIG. 2)attached to a panel (such as panel 212, FIG. 2) to be placed on disk 302such that the head of screw 306 does not interfere with the back of thepanel when a panel clip is located thereon, as discussed in more detailwith reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

Hole 304 preferably also allows screw 306 to be located therein suchthat the shaft of the screw is perpendicular to top surface 302 a ofdisk 302. Such a configuration insures that when screw 306 is drivenperpendicularly into a wall via indentation 308 (located in the head ofthe screw), the depth of the screw into the wall will act to align topsurface 302 a to a predetermined vertical reference, as discussed inmore detail with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

Screw 306 is preferably connected to disk 302 such that top surface 302a of disk 302 will remain perpendicular to the shaft of screw 306.Various methods are known in the art to connect a screw to a disk, e.g.,epoxy or other gluing methods and welding, both spot and continuous.Screw 306 is preferably connected to disk 302 via weld 404, and morepreferably, a spot weld applied to at least two locations to co-joinscrew 306 to bottom surface 302 b of disk 302. Alternative weldlocations and disk/screw connection methods will be readily apparent toone skilled in the art.

Screw 306 can be a wood screw or a sheet metal screw. In the preferredembodiment, screw 306 is a sheet metal screw having what is commonlyreferred to in the art as a self-starting tip so that it will easilypenetrate a metal stud.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, panels are most ofteninstalled in commercial buildings where the wall is sheetrock attachedto metal studs. Where non-metal studs are used, alternative screw andtip configurations may be used. For example, where the wall is sheetrockattached to wood studs, a wood screw may be used; where the wall iscement, brick, stone or other masonry, a sheet metal, wood or machinescrew may be used.

The head of screw 306 can be flat, oval or round. In the preferredembodiment, screw 306 has a flat head. However, the shape of the head ofscrew 306 is not critical, provided the head of the screw is at or belowtop surface 302 a of disk 302 when the screw is connected to disk 302,so that the head of screw does not interfere with the back of the panel,as discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

For a screw having either a flat or an oval head, which both comprise aV-shaped lower section, hole 304 of disk 302 is preferably countersunkas shown in FIG. 5, which allows the screw (not shown) to be receivedinto hole 304 such that the head of the screw will be at or below topsurface 302 a of disk 302. Alternatively, hole 304 can be countersunk ina T-pattern to accommodate a pan-shaped head, as will be readilyapparent to one skilled in the art.

Indentation 308, located in the head of the screw, allows thecircumrotation of the screw about its longitudinal axis. Various screwindentation configurations are known in the art, including slotted,cross (i.e., Phillips), square (i.e., Robertson), star (i.e., Torx),hexagonal, tri-wing, clutch (i.e., bow-tie shaped) and one-way.

In the preferred embodiment, indentation 308 is either a slotted or across configuration.

The device of the present invention can be manufactured as an assemblyof individual components, as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3through 5. Alternatively, the device of the present invention can befabricated in a unitary fashion, as now discussed with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a second embodiment of the present invention,and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the second embodiment ofthe present invention shown in FIG. 6.

Device 600 preferably comprises support structure 602, indentation 604and shaft 702.

Support structure 602, also referred to hereafter as disk 602,preferably comprises bevel 704 located along its circumferential surfaceto facilitate the placement of a panel clip, attached to the back of apanel, onto the disk, as discussed in more detail with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9.

Shaft 702, which includes plurality of threads 706, is preferablyintegrally connected to bottom surface 602 b of disk 602 such that itslongitudinal axis is perpendicular to top surface 602 a of disk 602. Theshaft and threads can be configured as either a wood screw or a sheetmetal screw, as discussed above with reference to screw 306 of device300. In the preferred embodiment, the shaft and threads are configuredas a sheet metal screw, i.e., threads 706 run about the length of shaft702, and tip 708 is configured as a self-starting tip so that it willeasily penetrate a metal stud.

Indentation 604, preferably located below top surface 602 a of disk 602,allows the circumrotation of threads 706 about the longitudinal axis ofshaft 702. Various indentation configurations are known in the art,including slotted, cross (i.e., Phillips), square (i.e., Robertson),star (i.e., Torx), hexagonal, tri-wing, clutch (i.e., bow-tie shaped)and one way.

In the preferred embodiment, indentation 604 is either a slotted or across configuration, and the location of indentation 604 corresponds tothe location of the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Various manufacturing methods are available to fabricate device 600 in aunitary fashion, such as die-casting the disk-shaft-indentation assemblyas an integral unit and machining the threads onto the shaft, ordie-casting the disk-shaft assembly, machining the threads and punchingthe indentation. Other methods will be obvious to one skilled in theart.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a first method of hanging a panel using thedevice of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is illustrated.

To prepare a wall for the hanging of a panel, the installer preferablyselects a horizontal reference corresponding to the horizontal locationat which the device of the present invention is to be attached to thewall.

The installer also preferably selects a vertical reference, preferablyat the height of the selected horizontal reference, at which the wall,if built out to this vertical reference, would be uniformly vertical,relative to the horizontal reference. The vertical reference alsorepresents the distance away from the wall at which the back of thepanel will be located. Therefore, the location of the vertical referencepreferably also factors in the overall width of the panel clip (e.g.,overall width 116, FIG. 1, of panel clip 100 b, FIG. 8).

A level, such as a laser level, is preferably employed to mark thehorizontal and vertical references to insure uniform alignment in bothplanes.

Once the horizontal and vertical references have been established, adevice of the present invention is connected to the wall, preferably ata location corresponding to the horizontal reference and at the locationof a wall stud.

Specifically, and with reference to FIG. 8, screw 306 of device 300 isrotated clockwise, driving at least a portion of the threads of thescrew into sheetrock 204, preferably at a location corresponding to thehorizontal reference and at the location of and into wall stud 206.

Screw 306 is preferably rotated clockwise until top surface 302 a ofdisk 302 is in alignment with the vertical reference. In the event theinstaller rotates the screw such that top surface 302 a of disk 302 iscloser to the wall than the vertical reference, screw 306 is preferablyrotated counterclockwise until top surface 302 a of disk 302 is alignedwith the vertical reference.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the overall width of apanel clip (i.e., overall width 116, FIG. 1, of panel clip 100 b, FIG.8), added to the most bowed-out point on the wall, as measured along thehorizontal reference (assuming that the wall is not in perfect verticalalignment therealong), represents the preferred minimum distance awayfrom the wall at which the vertical reference is to be located. Morepreferably, the vertical reference is set from about 1/16″ to about ½″further out than the preferred minimum distance, as a margin of safety.

Where the vertical reference is set away from the wall a sizabledistance, relative to the length of screw 306, or where the installerprefers to add support along the wall at the location of the horizontalreference, blocking 802 (also referred to in the art as “ground”) ispreferably attached to sheetrock 204, more preferably at the location ofthe wall studs. When blocking 802 is used, screw 306 is driven intoblocking 802 prior to being driven into sheetrock 204 and wall stud 206.

The blocking can be any suitable material that will decrease thedistance between the surface of the wall and the vertical reference andallow the threads of a screw, such as screw 306, to penetrate. Theblocking can be attached to the wall as individual pieces at thelocation of each device to be installed, or can be attached as acontinuous strip spanning the width of several wall studs.

In the preferred embodiment, the blocking is a piece of plywood having athickness ranging anywhere from about ¼″ to about ¾″, depending upon thegap to be filled, and about 2½″ high, and is attached to the wall at thelocation of the wall studs via screws, nails and/or glue (not shown) asa continuous strip having an overall length not greater than the widthof all panels to be hung on the wall.

It should be noted that there is no need to shim or otherwise adjust theoutward facing surface of the blocking such that it presents avertically-aligned surface, as was necessary in the prior art when shimswere used. The device of the present invention, specifically top surface302 a of device 300 (as well as top surface 602 a of device 600),provides the vertically-aligned surface onto which the panel clip (suchas panel clip 100 b) will be attached.

As in the prior art, all panels to be hung are preferably prepared byattaching a panel clip, such as panel clip 100 b, to the back of eachpanel, such as panel 212. The panel clips secured to the back of thepanels are preferably secured at a specific location, relative to thetop or bottom of the panel, to insure that all panels will hanguniformly.

Two screws, such as screw 214, are used to secure panel clip 100 b inplace such that the face of the panel clip's first surface (102, FIG. 1)is located against the back of panel 212, and the panel clip's secondsurface (104, FIG. 1) is facing downward, as shown in FIG. 8.

The panel is hung, i.e., attached to the wall, by placing thedownward-facing offset surface (104, FIG. 1) of panel clip 100 b overthe upper portion of disk 302. Bevel 402 facilitates the placement ofpanel clip 100 b over disk 302.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the method of hangingan architectural panel as discussed above with reference to FIG. 8 isapplicable when the gap between the ceiling (or other limiting surface)and the top of the panel is intended to be greater than or equal to thepanel clip's length of engagement.

Where the panel is to be hung closer to the ceiling than the dimensionof the panel clip's length of engagement, e.g., abutting the ceiling,the panel is preferably hung as described with reference to FIG. 9.

Turning now to FIG. 9, a second method of hanging a panel using thedevice of the present invention is illustrated. The wall is preferablyprepared by selecting a horizontal and vertical reference, device 300 isattached to sheetrock 204 (or to sheetrock 204 and blocking 802), andpanel clip 100 b is attached to the back of panel 212, all as discussedabove with reference to FIG. 8.

However, as shown in FIG. 9, second surface (104, FIG. 1) of panel clip100 b is attached to the back of panel 212 facing upward, and the panelis hung by placing upward-facing second surface (104, FIG. 1) of panelclip 100 b over the lower portion of disk 302. This method allows thetop of panel 212 to be flush with ceiling 902.

As known in the art, in order to maintain the vertical stability ofpanel 212, cleat 904 is typically attached to the lower portion of theback of panel 212 via at least two screws, such as screw 906, and screw908 is typically driven into sheetrock 204 and wall stud 206 asufficient distance so that the head of screw 908 provides a surface forthe back of cleat 904 to maintain the panel in a vertical position.Additionally, in order to maintain the positional stability of panel212, at least two screws, such as screw 910, are typically driventhrough cleat 904 into sheetrock 204 and wall stud 206. Screw 908insures that screw 910 does not affect the vertical integrity of panel212.

The cleat is typically a piece of plywood varying from about ¼″ to about¾″ thick, depending on the total available distance between the wall andthe back of the panel. Additionally, the cleat is typically a continuousstrip having an overall length not greater than the width of the panel,thereby providing several locations into which screws, such as screw910, can be deployed to secure the panel in place.

The cleat is typically positioned such that the distance between thebottom of cleat 904 and floor 912 is about 1 inch. The height of thecleat is typically dependent upon the height of a baseboard molding (notshown) to be applied at the bottom of the panels after all panels havebeen hung. For example, an installation specifying a 4″ baseboardtypically employs about a 5″ high cleat, about two inches of which areattached to the back of the panel and about three inches of whichoverhang the bottom of the panel. An installation specifying a 3″baseboard typically employs about a 4″ high cleat, about two inches ofwhich are attached to the back of the panel and about two inches ofwhich overhang the bottom of the panel.

The methods of hanging an architectural panel by employing device 300,as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, are equallyapplicable to hanging an architectural panel by employing device 600, aswill be obvious to one skilled in the art.

Additionally, the methods of hanging an architectural panel using device300 (or device 600), as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9,are repeatable for hanging a plurality of panels until the requisitenumber of devices of the present invention, whether all device 300, alldevice 600, or a combination of the two, are installed. The number ofrequisite devices is preferably determined by the number of panels to behung and the width of the panel clip attached to each panel.

For example, where the panel clip attached to the panel is Monarch partnumber MF-375 or MF-625, having a width of 2″ and 1.5″ respectively, asingle device of the present invention is preferably used for each suchpanel clip.

Panel clips are also available in substantially greater widths, e.g.,6′, 8′, 10′ and 12′, and can be cut to correspond to the width of thepanel. Reasons to use a wider panel clip include, e.g., the weightand/or overall width of the panel, as well as the structural integrityof the wall. It is contemplated that more than one device of the presentinvention can be used to support a panel where a wider panel clip,relative to the above-mentioned Monarch panel clips, is used. It isfurther contemplated that the devices of the present invention can beinstalled at locations along the wall as may be necessary to supportsuch wider panel clips, regardless of the location of the wall studs.

Based on the length of engagement (216, FIG. 2) of Monarch part numbersMF-375 (i.e., 0.375″) and MF-625 (i.e., 0.625″), the diameter of disk302 of device 300, as well as the diameter of disk 602 of device 600, ispreferably about 1½″ so that both device 300 and device 600 can be usedwith either Monarch panel clip. Other disk diameters will be apparent toone skilled in the art. For example, a much larger disk diameter may beemployed where it is desirable that top surface 302 a (602 a) providesincreased vertical support to the back of the panel.

Similarly, based on the engagement width (112, FIG. 1) of Monarch partnumbers MF-375 (i.e., 0.125″) and MF-625 (i.e., 0.105″), the thicknessof disk 302 of device 300, as well as the thickness of disk 602 ofdevice 600, is preferably no greater than about 0.100″, more preferablyabout 0.090″, so that both device 300 and device 600 can be used witheither Monarch panel clip. Other disk thicknesses will be apparent toone skilled in the art.

The circumferential surface between top surface 302 a/602 a and bottomsurface 302 b/602 b of disk 302/602 is preferably perpendicular thereto(not including bevel 402/704), providing a flat surface onto which panelclip 100 b can rest. Alternatively, the circumferential surface couldbe: curved or rounded from the top surface towards the bottom surface,which inherently incorporates a bevel-like surface; convex, whichinherently incorporates two bevel-like surfaces; concave, which providestwo points upon which the panel clip can rest; or grooved or otherwisetextured (i.e., having a plurality of channels or depressions cuttherein or bumps or raised portions thereon, in any pattern), whichprovides a textured surface upon which the panel clip can rest. Othercircumferential surface and bevel configurations will be apparent to oneskilled in the art.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, support structure302/602 supports a panel to be hung on a wall. Specifically, supportstructure 302/602 supports a panel clip attached to the back of thepanel, as shown and discussed with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

For device 300, support structure 302 is preferably symmetrical aboutthe center of hole 304 (FIGS. 3 through 5). Similarly, for device 600,support structure 602 is preferably symmetrical about indentation 604(FIGS. 6 and 7). In this way, installation of the devices of the presentinvention is simplified and requires only one set of measurements.

Specifically, in use, the relative height of device 300/600, as measuredby either the top-most edge or bottom-most edge of support structure302/602, will be identical, relative to screw 306/shaft 702, regardlessof the rotational position of screw 306/shaft 702.

If the devices of the present invention are installed at a uniformheight, e.g., along the horizontal reference, the relative height of thetop-most/bottom-most edge of each installed device will be identical,relative both to all installed devices as well as to the horizontalreference, regardless of the rotational position of screw 306/shaft 702,thereby facilitating the uniform placement of panel clips on the back ofthe panels to be hung.

Since all devices would have the same relative height, provided allinstalled devices were aligned to the same horizontal reference, thelocation of all panel clips and the height of all hung panels will beidentical. This would be true whether the panel is to be hung as shownwith reference to FIG. 8 or as shown with reference to FIG. 9.

In the preferred embodiment, support structure 302/602 is round. Othershapes will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

In the preferred embodiment, top surface 302 a/602 a of supportstructure 302/602 is parallel to bottom surface 302 b/602 b.Alternatively, one or both surfaces could be concave, such as shown withreference to FIGS. 10 and 11. An advantage of a concave surface is thathole 304 of device 300 would not need to be countersunk, provided theconcavity was located in top surface 302 a of disk 302 (FIGS. 3 through5). Other top and/or bottom surface configurations will be apparent toone skilled in the art.

In order to maintain the horizontal position of the hung panel overtime, support structure 302, as well as device 600, is preferablycomprised of a material sufficiently strong to support the weight of thepanel without fatigue. The material of support structure 302 ispreferably steel. In addition to strength, the material of device 600should preferably be easy to work with in order to manufacture device600 as a unitary structure. The material of device 600 is preferablysteel or an aluminum alloy, such as 6063-T6 (i.e., the material used tomanufacture the Monarch panel clips), to minimize any galvanic responsebetween dissimilar metals. Other support structure 302 and device 600materials will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Screw 306 of device 300 (FIGS. 3 and 4) is preferably a #12 sheet metalscrew manufactured from stainless steel, 1½″ in length and having aself-starting tip so that it will easily penetrate a metal wall stud.Similarly, shaft 702 of device 600 (FIGS. 6 and 7) is preferablyconfigured as a #12 sheet metal screw, 1½″ in length, with aself-starting tip. Other screw, shaft and tip configurations will beapparent to one skilled in the art.

The wall to which device 300/600 is attached was illustrated assheetrock attached to metal studs, as discussed above with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9. The present invention is equally suitable for use withwood studs, as discussed above with reference to screw 306 (FIGS. 3 and4). The present invention is also equally suitable for other types ofwall materials, including cement board, gypsum board, plywood, plaster,brick and concrete, although some wall materials may require the use ofwall anchors, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art. The presentinvention is further equally suitable regardless of whether screw 306 orshaft 702 ultimately penetrate a metal or a wood wall stud.Additionally, the present invention is equally suitable for both indoorand outdoor applications.

It is estimated that the present invention will save substantial cost,time and effort in the installation of architectural panels, compared tothe prior art method of installation. Specifically, the prior art methodof building out a wall to a vertical reference using a plurality ofshims and then attaching a panel clip (such as panel clip 100 a) to thevertically-aligned surface of the shims is very time consuming and laborintensive. The present invention alleviates the necessity of using shimsor attaching a conventional two-screw panel clip thereto by the use of asingle-screw/single-shaft device (device 300/600) having a surface (topsurface 302 a/602 a) that is readily and easily aligned to the verticalreference by a simple rotation of the screw/shaft.

Additionally, because screw 306/shaft 702 can be rotated in fractionaldegrees and in both directions, top surface 302 a/602 a can be adjustedto perfectly align with the vertical reference. The same degree ofaccuracy under all conditions cannot be claimed by the prior art.

Specifically, shims have a discrete thickness. The accuracy of stackingshims to build out the wall to correspond with the vertical referencewill inherently be constrained by the thickness of the thinnest shimavailable to the installer, since this dimension represents the minimumadjustment available to the installer using the prior art method.

Accordingly, the use of the present invention should also provide a moreaccurate panel-hanging method over the prior art, since the top surfaceof the support structure (i.e., top surface 302 a/602 a) is readily andeasily aligned to the vertical reference by a simple rotation of thescrew/shaft.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to those preciseembodiments. Various changes or modifications may be effected therein byone skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of theinvention.

1. A device to hang an architectural panel on a wall using a Z-typepanel clip without the need to shim the wall, the architectural panelhaving a front surface and a back surface and the Z-type panel cliphaving a first surface and second surface offset a predetermineddistance from each other and a third surface therebetween, the distancebetween the first surface and the second surface of the Z-type panelclip being defined as the engagement width, wherein the first surface ofthe Z-type panel clip is capable of being operatively connected to theback surface of the architectural panel, said device comprising: asupport structure having a first and a second surface, and acircumferential surface therebetween, wherein the distance between thefirst and second surfaces of the support structure is less than or equalto the engagement width of the Z-type panel clip, and wherein thesupport structure is intended to allow the Z-type panel clip, whileoperatively connected to an architectural panel, to be placed thereoversuch that the first surface of the support structure would be injuxtaposition with back surface of the architectural panel and at leasta portion of the second surface of the support structure would be injuxtaposition with at least a portion of the second surface of theZ-type panel clip; a hole, located between the first and second surfacesof the support structure, capable of receiving a screw having a head, ashaft and a plurality of threads located about at least a portion of theshaft such that the head of the screw is locatable in the hole at orbelow the first surface of the support structure and the shaft islocatable perpendicular thereto; and a screw having a head, a shaft anda plurality of threads located about at least a portion of the shaft,wherein the screw is located in the hole and operatively connected tothe support structure such that the head of the screw is at or below thefirst surface of the support structure and the shaft is perpendicularthereto; wherein at least a portion of the threads of the screw iscapable of being driven into a location of the wall such that the firstsurface of the support structure can be aligned with a predeterminedvertical reference, thus obviating the need to shim the wall at thatlocation, and the device is capable of supporting the architecturalpanel operatively locatable thereon.
 2. The device of claim 1, whereinthe hole is countersunk to receive the head of the screw.
 3. The deviceof claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the surfaces of thesupport structure is concave.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein thecircumferential surface of the support structure includes a bevel. 5.The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second surfaces of thesupport structure are substantially flat and substantially parallel toeach other.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the support structure isround.
 7. A device to hang an architectural panel on a wall using aZ-type panel clip without the need to shim the wall, the architecturalpanel having a front surface and a back surface and the Z-type panelclip having a first surface and second surface offset a predetermineddistance from each other and a third surface therebetween, the distancebetween the first surface and the second surface of the Z-type panelclip being defined as the engagement width, wherein the first surface ofthe Z-type panel clip is capable of being operatively connected to theback surface of the architectural panel, said device comprising: asupport structure having a first and a second surface, and acircumferential surface therebetween, wherein the distance between thefirst and second surfaces of the support structure is less than or equalto the engagement width of the Z-type panel clip, and wherein thesupport structure is intended to allow the Z-type panel clip, whileoperatively connected to an architectural panel, to be placed thereoversuch that the first surface of the support structure would be injuxtaposition with back surface of the architectural panel and at leasta portion of the second surface of the support structure would be injuxtaposition with at least a portion of the second surface of theZ-type panel clip; a shaft integral with the support structure, theshaft having a tip, a longitudinal axis and a plurality of threadslocated about at least a portion of the shaft, wherein the longitudinalaxis of the shaft is perpendicular to the first surface of the supportstructure; and an indentation in the first surface of the supportstructure, wherein the indentation enables the threads located about theshaft to circumrotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, therebyallowing at least a portion of the threads of the shaft to be driveninto a location of the wall such that the first surface of the supportstructure can be aligned with a predetermined vertical reference, thusobviating the need to shim the wall at that location, the device beingcapable of supporting the architectural panel operatively locatablethereon.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of one ofthe surfaces of the support structure is concave.
 9. The device of claim7, wherein the circumferential surface of the support structure includesa bevel.
 10. The device of claim 7, wherein the first and secondsurfaces of the support structure are substantially flat andsubstantially parallel to each other.
 11. The device of claim 7, whereinthe support structure is round.
 12. A method of hanging an architecturalpanel onto a wall using a Z-type panel clip without the need to shim thewall and a device, the architectural panel having a front surface and aback surface, the Z-type panel clip having a first surface and secondsurface offset a predetermined distance from each other and a thirdsurface therebetween, the distance between the first surface and thesecond surface of the Z-type panel clip being defined as the engagementwidth, the device comprising a support structure having a first and asecond surface and a circumferential surface therebetween, wherein thedistance between the first and second surfaces of the support structureis less than or equal to the engagement width of the Z-type panel clip,a hole located between the first and second surfaces of the supportstructure, and a screw located in the hole and operatively connected tothe support structure, the method comprising the steps of: rotating thescrew of the device such that at least a portion of the screw of thedevice is operatively connected to a location of the wall such that thefirst surface of the support structure is in vertical alignment with apredetermined vertical reference, thus obviating the need to shim thewall at that location; connecting the Z-type panel clip to the backsurface of the an architectural panel; and placing the Z-type panel clipconnected to the back surface of the architectural panel over a portionof the support structure of the device operatively connected to the wallsuch that the first surface of the support structure is in juxtapositionwith back surface of the architectural panel and at least a portion ofthe second surface of the support structure is in juxtaposition with atleast a portion of the second surface of the Z-type panel clip.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises the step ofattaching blocking to the wall prior to the step of rotating the screwof the device, whereby at least a portion of the screw is driven intothe blocking before being operatively connected to the wall.
 14. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises the step ofaligning the screw of the device to a predetermined horizontal referenceprior to the step of rotating the screw of the device.
 15. A method ofhanging at least two architectural panels onto a wall using at least twoZ-type panel clips without the need to shim the wall and at least twodevices, each architectural panel having a front surface and a backsurface, each Z-type panel clip having a first surface and secondsurface offset a predetermined distance from each other and a thirdsurface therebetween, the distance between the first surface and thesecond surface of the Z-type panel clip being defined as the engagementwidth, and each device comprising a support structure having a first anda second surface and a circumferential surface therebetween, wherein thedistance between the first and second surfaces of the support structureis less than or equal to the engagement width of the Z-type panel clip,a hole located between the first and second surfaces of the supportstructure, and a screw located in the hole and operatively connected tothe support structure, the method comprising the steps of: rotating thescrew of the first device such that at least a portion of the screw ofthe first device is operatively connected to a first location of thewall such that the first surface of the support structure of the firstdevice corresponds to a predetermined vertical reference, thus obviatingthe need to shim the wall at the first location; rotating the screw ofthe second device such that at least a portion of the screw of thesecond device is operatively connected to a second location of the wallsuch that the first surface of the support structure of the seconddevice corresponds to the predetermined vertical reference, thusobviating the need to shim the wall at the second location; connectingthe first Z-type panel clip to the back surface of the firstarchitectural panel; connecting the second Z-type panel clip to the backsurface of the second architectural panel; placing the first Z-typepanel clip connected to the back surface of the first architecturalpanel over a portion of the support structure of the first deviceoperatively connected to the wall such that the first surface of thesupport structure of the first device is in juxtaposition with backsurface of the first architectural panel and at least a portion of thesecond surface of the support structure of the first device is injuxtaposition with at least a portion of the second surface of the firstZ-type panel clip; and placing the second Z-type panel clip connected tothe back surface of the second architectural panel over a portion of thesupport structure of the second device operatively connected to the wallsuch that the first surface of the support structure of the seconddevice is in juxtaposition with back surface of the second architecturalpanel and at least a portion of the second surface of the supportstructure of the second device is in juxtaposition with at least aportion of the second surface of the second Z-type panel clip.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises the step ofattaching blocking to the wall prior to the step of rotating the screwof the first device, whereby at least a portion of the screw of thefirst device is driven into the blocking before being operativelyconnected to the wall.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the methodfurther comprises the steps of: aligning the screw of the first deviceto a predetermined horizontal reference prior to the step of rotatingthe screw of the first device; and aligning the screw of the seconddevice to the predetermined horizontal reference prior to the step ofrotating the screw of the second device.
 18. A method of hanging anarchitectural panel onto a wall using a Z-type panel clip without theneed to shim the wall and a device, the architectural panel having afront surface and a back surface, the Z-type panel clip having a firstsurface and second surface offset a predetermined distance from eachother and a third surface therebetween, the distance between the firstsurface and the second surface of the Z-type panel clip being defined asthe engagement width, and the device comprising a support structurehaving a first and a second surface and a circumferential surfacetherebetween, wherein the distance between the first and second surfacesof the support structure is less than or equal to the engagement widthof the Z-type panel clip, a shaft integral with the support structure,the shaft having a tip, a longitudinal axis and a plurality of threadslocated about at least a portion of the shaft, and an indentation in thefirst surface of the support structure that enables the threads locatedabout the shaft to circumrotate about the longitudinal axis of theshaft, the method comprising the steps of: rotating the indentation ofthe device such that at least a portion of the threads located about theshaft is operatively connected to a location of the wall such that thefirst surface of the support structure is in vertical alignment with apredetermined vertical reference, thus obviating the need to shim thewall at that location; connecting the Z-type panel clip to the backsurface of the architectural panel; and placing the Z-type panel clipconnected to the back surface of the architectural panel over a portionof the support structure of the device operatively connected to the wallsuch that the first surface of the support structure is in juxtapositionwith back surface of the architectural panel and at least a portion ofthe second surface of the support structure is in juxtaposition with atleast a portion of the second surface of the Z-type panel clip.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises the step ofattaching blocking to the wall prior to the step of rotating theindentation of the device, whereby at least a portion of the threadslocated about the shaft are driven into the blocking before beingoperatively connected to the wall.
 20. The method of claim 18, whereinthe method further comprises the step of aligning the longitudinal axisof the shaft of the device to a predetermined horizontal reference priorto the step of rotating the indentation of the device.
 21. A method ofhanging at least two architectural panels onto a wall using at least twoZ-type panel clips without the need to shim the wall and at least twodevices, each architectural panel having a front surface and a backsurface, each Z-type panel clip having a first surface and secondsurface offset a predetermined distance from each other and a thirdsurface therebetween, the distance between the first surface and thesecond surface of the Z-type panel clip being defined as the engagementwidth, and each device comprising a support structure having a first anda second surface and a circumferential surface therebetween, wherein thedistance between the first and second surfaces of the support structureis less than or equal to the engagement width of the Z-type panel clip,a shaft integral with the support structure, the shaft having a tip, alongitudinal axis and a plurality of threads located about at least aportion of the shaft, and an indentation in the first surface of thesupport structure that enables the threads located about the shaft tocircumrotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the methodcomprising the steps of: rotating the indentation of the first devicesuch that at least a portion of the threads located about the shaft ofthe first device is operatively connected to a first location of thewall such that the first surface of the support structure of the firstdevice corresponds to a predetermined vertical reference, thus obviatingthe need to shim the wall at the first location; rotating theindentation of the second device such that at least a portion of thethreads located about the shaft of the second device is operativelyconnected to a second location of the wall such that the first surfaceof the support structure of the second device corresponds to thepredetermined vertical reference, thus obviating the need to shim thewall at the second location; connecting the first Z-type panel clip tothe back surface of the first architectural panel; connecting the secondZ-type panel clip to the back surface of the second architectural panel;placing the first Z-type panel clip connected to the back surface of thefirst architectural panel over a portion of the support structure of thefirst device operatively connected to the wall such that the firstsurface of the support structure of the first device is in juxtapositionwith back surface of the first architectural panel and at least aportion of the second surface of the support structure of the firstdevice is in juxtaposition with at least a portion of the second surfaceof the first Z-type panel clip; and placing the second Z-type panel clipconnected to the back surface of the second architectural panel over aportion of the support structure of the second device operativelyconnected to the wall such that the first surface of the supportstructure of the second device is in juxtaposition with back surface ofthe second architectural panel and at least a portion of the secondsurface of the support structure of the second device is injuxtaposition with at least a portion of the second surface of thesecond Z-type panel clip.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the methodfurther comprises the step of attaching blocking to the wall prior tothe step of rotating the indentation of the first device, whereby atleast a portion of the threads located about the shaft of the firstdevice is driven into the blocking before being operatively connected tothe wall.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the method furthercomprises the steps of: aligning the longitudinal axis of the shaft ofthe first device to a predetermined horizontal reference prior to thestep of rotating the indentation of the first device; and aligning thelongitudinal axis of the shaft of the second device to the predeterminedhorizontal reference prior to the step of rotating the indentation ofthe second device.
 24. A device to hang an architectural panel on a wallusing a Z-type panel clip without the need to shim the wall, thearchitectural panel having a front surface and a back surface and theZ-type panel clip having a first surface and second surface offset apredetermined distance from each other and a third surface therebetween,the distance between the first surface and the second surface of theZ-type panel clip being defined as the engagement width, wherein thefirst surface of the Z-type panel clip is capable of being operativelyconnected to the back surface of the architectural panel, said devicecomprising: a support structure having a first and a second surface, anda circumferential surface therebetween, wherein the distance between thefirst and second surfaces of the support structure is less than or equalto the engagement width of the Z-type panel clip, and wherein thesupport structure is intended to allow the Z-type panel clip, whileoperatively connected to an architectural panel, to be placed thereoversuch that the first surface of the support structure would be injuxtaposition with back surface of the architectural panel and at leasta portion of the second surface of the support structure would be injuxtaposition with at least a portion of the second surface of theZ-type panel clip; a shaft operatively connected to the supportstructure, the shaft having a tip, a longitudinal axis and a pluralityof threads located about at least a portion of the shaft, wherein thelongitudinal axis of the shaft is perpendicular to the first surface ofthe support structure; and an indentation operatively connected to thefirst surface of the support structure, wherein the indentation enablesthe threads located about the shaft to circumrotate about thelongitudinal axis of the shaft, thereby allowing at least a portion ofthe threads of the shaft to be driven into a location of the wall suchthat the first surface of the support structure can be aligned with apredetermined vertical reference, thus obviating the need to shim thewall at that location, the device being capable of supporting thearchitectural panel operatively locatable thereon.
 25. The device ofclaim 24, wherein the first and second surfaces of the support structureare substantially flat and substantially parallel to each other.
 26. Thedevice of claim 24, wherein at least a portion of one of the surfaces ofthe support structure is concave.
 27. The device of claim 24, whereinthe circumferential surface of the support structure includes a bevel.28. The device of claim 24, wherein the shaft is integral with thesupport structure.
 29. The device of claim 24, wherein the supportstructure further comprises a hole, located between the first and secondsurfaces of the support structure, capable of receiving a screw having ahead such that the head of the screw is locatable in the hole at orbelow the first surface of the support structure; and wherein the devicefurther comprises a screw, the screw having the shaft, the tip, thelongitudinal axis, the plurality of threads located about at least aportion of the shaft and a head, the head having the indentation,wherein the screw is located in the hole and operatively connected tothe support structure such that the head of the screw is at or below thefirst surface of the support structure and the shaft is perpendicularthereto.
 30. A method of hanging an architectural panel onto a wallusing a Z-type panel clip without the need to shim the wall and adevice, the architectural panel having a front surface and a backsurface, the Z-type panel clip having a first surface and second surfaceoffset a predetermined distance from each other and a third surfacetherebetween, the distance between the first surface and the secondsurface of the Z-type panel clip being defined as the engagement width,and the device comprising a support structure having a first and asecond surface and a circumferential surface therebetween, wherein thedistance between the first and second surfaces of the support structureis less than or equal to the engagement width of the Z-type panel clip,a shaft operatively connected to the support structure, the shaft havinga tip, a longitudinal axis and a plurality of threads located about atleast a portion of the shaft, and an indentation operatively connectedto the first surface of the support structure that enables the threadslocated about the shaft to circumrotate about the longitudinal axis ofthe shaft, the method comprising the steps of: rotating the indentationof the device such that at least a portion of the threads located aboutthe shaft is operatively connected to a location of the wall such thatthe first surface of the support structure is in vertical alignment witha predetermined vertical reference, thus obviating the need to shim thewall at that location; connecting the Z-type panel clip to the backsurface of the architectural panel; and placing the Z-type panel clipconnected to the back surface of the architectural panel over a portionof the support structure of the device operatively connected to the wallsuch that the first surface of the support structure is in juxtapositionwith back surface of the architectural panel and at least a portion ofthe second surface of the support structure is in juxtaposition with atleast a portion of the second surface of the Z-type panel clip.
 31. Themethod of claim 30, wherein the method further comprises the step ofattaching blocking to the wall prior to the step of rotating theindentation of the device, whereby at least a portion of the threadslocated about the shaft are driven into the blocking before beingoperatively connected to the wall.
 32. The method of claim 30, whereinthe method further comprises the step of aligning the longitudinal axisof the shaft of the device to a predetermined horizontal reference priorto the step of rotating the indentation of the device.
 33. A method ofhanging at least two architectural panels onto a wall using at least twoZ-type panel clips without the need to shim the wall and at least twodevices, each architectural panel having a front surface and a backsurface, each Z-type panel clip having a first surface and secondsurface offset a predetermined distance from each other and a thirdsurface therebetween, the distance between the first surface and thesecond surface of the Z-type panel clip being defined as the engagementwidth, and each device comprising a support structure having a first anda second surface and a circumferential surface therebetween, wherein thedistance between the first and second surfaces of the support structureis less than or equal to the engagement width of the Z-type panel clip,a shaft operatively connected to the support structure, the shaft havinga tip, a longitudinal axis and a plurality of threads located about atleast a portion of the shaft, and an indentation operatively connectedto the first surface of the support structure that enables the threadslocated about the shaft to circumrotate about the longitudinal axis ofthe shaft, the method comprising the steps of: rotating the indentationof the first device such that at least a portion of the threads locatedabout the shaft of the first device is operatively connected to a firstlocation of the wall such that the first surface of the supportstructure of the first device corresponds to a predetermined verticalreference, thus obviating the need to shim the wall at the firstlocation; rotating the indentation of the second device such that atleast a portion of the threads located about the shaft of the seconddevice is operatively connected to a second location of the wall suchthat the first surface of the support structure of the second devicecorresponds to the predetermined vertical reference, thus obviating theneed to shim the wall at the second location; connecting the firstZ-type panel clip to the back surface of the first architectural panel;connecting the second Z-type panel clip to the back surface of thesecond architectural panel; placing the first Z-type panel clipconnected to the back surface of the first architectural panel over aportion of the support structure of the first device operativelyconnected to the wall such that the first surface of the supportstructure of the first device is in juxtaposition with back surface ofthe first architectural panel and at least a portion of the secondsurface of the support structure of the first device is in juxtapositionwith at least a portion of the second surface of the first Z-type panelclip; and placing the second Z-type panel clip connected to the backsurface of the second architectural panel over a portion of the supportstructure of the second device operatively connected to the wall suchthat the first surface of the support structure of the second device isin juxtaposition with back surface of the second architectural panel andat least a portion of the second surface of the support structure of thesecond device is in juxtaposition with at least a portion of the secondsurface of the second Z-type panel clip.
 34. The method of claim 33,wherein the method further comprises the step of attaching blocking tothe wall prior to the step of rotating the indentation of the firstdevice, whereby at least a portion of the threads located about theshaft of the first device is driven into the blocking before beingoperatively connected to the wall.
 35. The method of claim 33, whereinthe method further comprises the steps of: aligning the longitudinalaxis of the shaft of the first device to a predetermined horizontalreference prior to the step of rotating the indentation of the firstdevice; and aligning the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the seconddevice to the predetermined horizontal reference prior to the step ofrotating the indentation of the second device.